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Whilst looking for pictures of some of my old ships, I quite unexpectedly came across your website.

As a young lad born and raised in Woking, I can remember the first time I ever saw TS Dianthus and that was just after it set up after moving from Chertsey. Woking football club, across the road, had no stands and we stood around a rope to watch the matches. I joined TS Dianthus as a Royal Marine Cadet in 1966 (I think) and spent 5 happy years there (I won best cadet twice). Our Corporal was a guy called Michael Changi (that's how is name was spelt I think) and we likened him to the devil because he was so strict. I forget who our C.O. was, because forty years is a long time, but I can remember some of the fantastic times we had there. Assault courses at RM POOLE, sailing in Portsmouth Harbour, camping, and all sorts of expeditions.

I went on to join the Royal Navy in 1972 and left 1980. I then joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary until 1987.

Thank you for bringing back some really pleasant memories.

Regards

Dickie Bird

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